Communications Specialist

Result of Service

The purpose of the assignment is to support day-to-day activities of the GlobalABC notably for the implementation of its revised strategies for 2023-2030 and its mandates to coordinate the Buildings Breakthrough and international collaboration between all stakeholders in buildings and construction sector. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the GlobalABC Secretariat team, GlobalABC members and partners. He/she will be expected to support outreach and members engagement and be the focal point for delivery of events and pavilions. This will include but is not limited to drafting concept notes, agendas and briefings for effective meeting and communications activities. The contractor will conduct the following activities: 1. Support the implementation of the GlobalABC’s outreach and membership engagement strategy – including annual member renewal survey, member engagement in GlobalABC activities/hubs… 2. Serve as main coordination focal point for the organization of events organized by the GlobalABC (Annual assembly, COP events, high-level meetings, side events…) - including drafting of the concept notes, briefings and agendas 3. Support engagement with UNFCCC: Technology Executive Committee (TEC), Human Settlements Group of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (MPGCA), Mitigation Work Programme. 4. Coordinate the establishment and operation of Buildings Pavilion at COPs: programme, sponsorships, contractors, logistics, technical set-up including audio, visual, and live-streaming, delivery of sessions. 5. Coordinating with the GlobalABC Communications lead to ensure successful website. 6. Perform other tasks as may be requested by the Programme Officer, Buildings and Construction (supervisor). 7. Ensure the coordination of the GlobalABC Subnationals Action Group and support the production of its related deliverables 8. Produce and deliver the COP Pavilion strategy and expansion to ensure its financial stability and a wider political outreach through process improvement and key partnerships 9. Ensure relevant planning and delivery of Global Buildings and Climate Forum

Work Location

Nairobi

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognizes the need to address global environmental concerns in an increasingly urbanizing world. It is in this context that UN Environment supports and promotes sustainability in buildings and construction, emphasizing sustainable buildings’ local and global benefits and the role of the built environment in delivering against the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The building and construction sector is responsible for over one-third of all energy-related GHG emissions and material use. Since 2015, UNEP hosts the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), launched during the first Buildings Day at COP 21. As part of its core activities, the GlobalABC develops key tools to drive ambition and radical collaboration across the actors of the value chain, as well as a mechanism to track progress of the sector over time. The GlobalABC, as part of its key activities, works to advance knowledge and visibility of the buildings sector as a critical climate solution, without which it would be impossible to reach the Paris Agreement goals. Through its knowledge products, the GlobalABC puts forth insights and solutions that address the challenges faced by the entire buildings value-chain in accelerating climate action in this sector. The GlobalABC is active at UNFCCC events including at COPs where each year it hosts a Buildings Pavilion in collaboration with We Mean Business’s Business Pavilion. Following the launch of the Buildings Breakthrough ay COP28, UNEP as the host of the GlobalABC Secretariat also co-organized the Global Forum on Buildings and Climate which led to the ‘Declaration de Chaillot’. Signed by 70 countries, this declaration strengthens the GlobalABC’s mandate to facilitate international cooperation towards a rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector. The GlobalABC is coordinating the Buildings Breakthrough. A contractor with experience in project management, organizing and delivering events, as well as in buildings, sustainability, and climate change, with excellent communications and writing skills is needed to support the UNEP Buildings team in the development of these efforts.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, public policy, economics, environmental or social sciences, or engineering with a buildings and construction focus. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Excellent organizational and logistical skills. Excellent diplomatic and communication skills. 2 years experience in communication in international settings Excellent English speaking writing skills are essential, particularly regarding communicating political and scientific insights in a clear manner. • Professionalism: Knowledge of sustainable buildings and construction policies, tools and practices. Ability to proactively seek and identify relevant information and solutions. Ability to work on multiple tasks with energy and commitment to due completion. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence and flexibility when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates proactivity and openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across institutions to achieve organizational and strategic goals; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently; considers outputs achieved according to effectively delivery, as opposed to the amount of time given to tasks.

Languages

Excellent English speaking writing skills are essential, particularly regarding communicating political and scientific insights in a clear manner.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.